Random Stuff!

It's not even the mad month of May and already I'm slacking on my blog.  Or maybe that's why I'm slacking- because nothing interesting happens in April. It's not totally boring around these parts, however.  Here are some Smith family highlights from the last couple of weeks.

Bethany insisted that I blog about her qualifying for accelerated 6th grade math next year.  She says she worked just as hard as Aaron did three years ago and I blogged about him, so it is only fair.  We were very proud of this girl because math is something that she does indeed have to put some effort into.  And she does put in the effort.  You rock Honey!  As a reward for this accomplishment, Daddy decided the time had finally come to let Bethany pierce her ears.  Below is a profile picture of the new earrings.

This is not a great picture, but it was the best I could do.  Maybe when she has some bigger earrings, we can take a more visible front picture.

And look at this handsome boy with his perfect teeth.  Yes, it's true.  The braces have finally come off.  This is a picture at the dentist's office yesterday where he was getting the finishing touches on his new smile (he had to have some cosmetic work done to one of his top teeth to make it even with the other). Dr. Lines suggested that instead of going with porcelain, Chad should seriously consider a gold cap for the smaller tooth - both so that he would be more intimidating on the mound for yesterday's game and also in case he wanted to jump start his rap career.  It was a serious temptation, but eventually Chad decided to go mainstream with the white.  It seemed to go okay since he struck out 8 batters yesterday even without the gold cap.  I don't know what he's going to do once he wants to go on tour with his rap band though.  I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. :)

Above and below are the products of some seriously overachieving parents on Chad's and Miranda's baseball and softball teams.  Can you believe the invitation above?  It is the cutest thing I've ever seen.  It must have taken hours to make forty something of those.  It is printed on wood, people!

And can you believe this darling banner.  One of the dads on our team made it.  Apparently this is what he does for his work.  I think it is fabulous.  Plus, it really takes the stress out of wondering who you're cheering for.

And now for the latest Amber story.  I have been having a difficult time getting this girl to sit in her seat at Primary.  She is always wandering over to sit with me at the piano.  So, on Sunday, I told her she needed to go sit with her class.  She told me, "Mom, I feel much more comfortable sitting here with you."  "Oh," I said, "Why is that?"  Amber just rolled her eyes and replied, "Mom, I wouldn't expect you to know this, but Skye (the girl she was sitting by) is wearing a bracelet with evil powers."  Okay, honey!  Whatever you say.